The House met, at 10 am, pursuant to adjournment. The Speaker (the Honourable M. Dick) took the Chair, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.

PETITIONS—standing Committee —REPORT—STATEMENT BY MEMBER

Ms Belyea (Chair) presented the following documents:

Petitions—Standing Committee—Report 1: Petitions and Ministerial responses—

Report, 25 August 2025.

Petitions.

Ministers’ responses to petitions previously presented to the House.

Ms Belyea made a statement in connection with petitions.

Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025

In accordance with the resolution agreed to on 31 July 2025—

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Debate resumed.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Responding to Robodebt) Bill 2025

Mr Wilkie, pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the law relating to social security, and for related purposes.

Document

Mr Wilkie presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

Mr Wilkie moved—That the bill be now read a second time.

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Climate Change (National Framework for Adaptation) Bill 2025

Ms Steggall, pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to establish a national climate change adaptation framework, and for related purposes.

Document

Ms Steggall presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

Ms Steggall moved—That the bill be now read a second time.

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Higher Education Support Amendment (Fair Study and Opportunity) Bill 2025

Ms Le, pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Higher Education Support Act 2003 , and for related purposes.

Document

Ms Le presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

Ms Le moved—That the bill be now read a second time.

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

NDIS service delivery arrangements

Mr Thompson, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) notes:

(a) National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) providers and participants will be significantly impacted and hold grave concerns regarding changes to the transport allowance arrangements that have been announced in the recent annual price review, at very short notice without consultation by the Government; and

(b) the feasibility for NDIS providers and participants to make the necessary adjustments to service delivery arrangements in such a short time period is not achievable and will be to the detriment of the participant;

(2) condemns the Government for failing to consult with the NDIS sector and failing to understand the needs of participants and providers; and

(3) calls on the Government to:

(a) defer these changes for at least three months to allow for consultation and planning around the changes to service delivery that may result from these changes; and

(b) explain how it expects community-based service providers in particular to adapt to these new pricing arrangements.

Debate ensuing—

Document

Ms France , by leave, presented the following document:

Email and copy of tax invoice sent from constituent of the electorate of Dickson to Ali France MP, in relation to overcharging on NDIS Support Service, 6 August 2025.

Debate continued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

National Skills Week

Mr Abdo, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) notes that:

(a) during National Skills Week, we recognise the importance of Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector;

(b) there have been more than 650,000 enrolments in the Government’s Free TAFE program; and

(c) there have been more than 170,000 Free TAFE courses completed by Australians;

(2) commends the Government’s successful passage of the Free TAFE Bill 2024, supporting quality training and putting TAFE back at the heart of the VET sector;

(3) recognises Free TAFE is helping Australians to get skills in in-demand areas like housing construction, nursing and aged care, giving Australians the skills they want, in sectors we need; and

(4) supports the Government as it continues to invest in the Australian people by prioritising training initiatives like Free TAFE.

Debate ensued.

The time allotted for private Members’ business having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL—ASSENT TO BILLS

A message from Her Excellency the Governor-General was announced informing the House that Her Excellency, in the name of His Majesty, had assented to the following bills:

2 August 2025 —Message No. 8 —

Universities Accord (Cutting Student Debt by 20 Per Cent) 2025.

Early Childhood Education and Care (Strengthening Regulation of Early Education) 2025.

Customs Amendment (Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Implementation) 2025.

Customs Tariff Amendment (Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Implementation) 2025.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

Message No. 16, 31 July 2025, from the Senate was reported informing the House that:

Senators Allman-Payne, Faruqi, Hanson-Young, McKim, Barbara Pocock, Shoebridge, Steele-John, Waters and Whish-Wilson had been appointed participating members of the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters for the committee’s inquiry into the 2025 election;

Senators Allman-Payne, Faruqi, Hanson-Young, Hodgins-May, McKim, Barbara Pocock, Shoebridge, Steele-John, Waters and Whish-Wilson had been appointed participating members of the Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme; and

Senator McKim had been appointed a member of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Parliamentary Standards.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

Message No. 17, 31 July 2025, from the Senate was reported informing the House that Senator Babet had been appointed a participating member of the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters for the committee’s inquiry into the 2025 election.

Appropriations and Administration—Standing Committee—MEMBERSHIP

The House was informed that the Chief Government Whip had nominated Ms Coker to be a member of the Standing Committee on Appropriations and Administration in place of Ms Chesters (received by the Speaker on 7 August 2025, pursuant to standing order 229(b)) .

Mr Gorman (Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister), by leave, moved—That Ms Chesters be discharged from the Standing Committee on Appropriations and Administration and that, in her place, Ms Coker be appointed a member of the committee.

Question—put and passed.

COMMITTEES—MEMBERSHIP

The House was informed that Ms Boele had withdrawn her membership of the Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (received by the Speaker on 8 August 2025, pursuant to standing order 229(b)).

The House was also informed that Dr Scamps had withdrawn her membership of the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability (received by the Speaker on 8 August 2025, pursuant to standing order 229(b)) .

Mr Gorman (Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister), by leave, moved—That:

(1) Ms Boele be discharged from the Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water; and

(2) Dr Scamps be discharged from the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability.

Question—put and passed.

COMMITTEES—MEMBERSHIP

The House was informed that the Chief Opposition Whip had nominated Members to be members of certain committees.

Mr Gorman (Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister), by leave, moved— That Members be discharged and appointed as members of certain committees in accordance with the following list :

Standing Committee on Petitions—Mr Wallace be discharged and that, in his place, Mr Caldwell be appointed a member of the committee;

Committee of Privileges and Members’ Interests—Mr Wallace be discharged and that, in his place, Mr Pike be appointed a member of the committee;

Publications Committee—Mr Small be discharged and that, in his place, Mr Pike be appointed a member of the committee;

Selection Committee—Ms Chaney be appointed a member of the committee;

Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Anti-Corruption Commission—Mr Pike be appointed a member of the committee;

Parliamentary Joint Committee on Parliamentary Standards—Mr McCormack, Mr Pike and Mr Wilkie be appointed members of the committee;

Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs—Mr Gee be appointed a member of the committee; and

Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters—Mr Caldwell be discharged and that, in his place, Dr M Ryan be appointed a member of the committee.

Question—put and passed.

Parliamentary Retiring Allowances Trust

Mr Gorman (Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister), by leave, moved—That, in accordance with the provisions of the  Parliamentary Contributory Superannuation Act 1948 , Mr Violi be appointed a trustee to serve on the Parliamentary Retiring Allowances Trust.

Question—put and passed.

Health Legislation Amendment (Improved Medicare Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025

The order of the day having been read for the second reading—

Document

Ms White (Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care) presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Ms White moved—That the bill be now read a second time.

Debate ensued.

Debate adjourned (Mr Gorman—Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) Bill 2025

The order of the day having been read for the second reading—

Document

Mr Clare (Minister for Education) presented an explanatory memorandum to this bill and the Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2025.

Mr Clare moved—That the bill be now read a second time.

Debate adjourned (Mr Taylor), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2025

The order of the day having been read for the second reading—

Mr Clare (Minister for Education) moved—That the bill be now read a second time.

Debate adjourned (Mr Taylor), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) Bill 2025

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Debate resumed.

Mr Leeser moving an amendment—

It being 1.30 pm, the debate was interrupted in accordance with standing order 43, Mr Leeser was granted leave to continue his speech when the debate is resumed, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

Members’ statements were made.

MINISTERIAL ARRANGEMENTS

Mr Albanese (Prime Minister) informed the House that, during the absence overseas of Mr Marles (Deputy Prime Minister), he and Mr Conroy (Minister for Defence Industry) would answer questions on his behalf.

DEATHS OF FORMER MEMBER ( Graeme Campbell ) AND FORMER SENATOR (JOHN ODIN WENTWORTH WATSON)

The Speaker informed the House of the deaths of Graeme Campbell, on 16 August 2025 , a Member of this House for the Division of Kalgoorlie from 1980 to 1998 and John Odin Wentworth Watson AM, on 8 August 2025, a Senator for the State of Tasmania from 1977 to 2008 .

As a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased, all Members present stood, in silence.

QUESTIONS

Questions without notice being asked—

Member directed to leave

At 2.24 pm the Member for Gellibrand ( Mr Watts ) was directed, under standing order 94, to leave the Chamber for one hour for interjecting and he accordingly left the Chamber.

Questions without notice continued.

Auditor-General’s Report

The Speaker presented the following document:

Auditor-General—Audit report No. 1 of 2025-26—Performance audit—Implementation of ethical frameworks by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations: Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

The document was made a Parliamentary Paper.

Allocation of departments and agencies to committees

The Speaker presented the following document:

Speaker’s schedule—Allocation to committees of annual reports of Government departments and agencies, 25 August 2025.

DOCUMENTS

The following documents were presented:

* Australian Crime Commission Act 2002— Board of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission—Report for 2023-24.

Criminal Code Act 1995— Operation of Division 395 of the Criminal Code Community Safety Orders—Report for 2024-25.

Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Act 2023 and Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022— Review of the operation of the Acts—Report, 31 March 2025.

Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021— Review of the operation of the Act—Report, 28 February 2025.

Medical Research Future Fund Act 2015— Financial assistance to support the Australian Medical Research and Innovation Priorities 2022-24—Report, June 2025.

National Health and Medical Research Council—Corporate plan for 2025-26.

Surveillance Devices Act 2004— Commonwealth Ombudsman’s report to the Attorney-General on agencies’ compliance for the period 1 July to 31 December 2024.

*The document was made a Parliamentary Paper.

Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2025

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Question—put and passed—bill read a second time.

Leave granted for third reading to be moved immediately.

On the motion of Mr Clare (Minister for Education), the bill was read a third time.

ADDRESS IN REPLY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S SPEECH

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the following Address in Reply to the speech of Her Excellency the Governor-General be agreed to:

May it please Your Excellency:

We, the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, in Parliament assembled, express our loyalty to the Sovereign, and thank Your Excellency for the speech which you have been pleased to address to Parliament—

Debate resumed.

ADJOURNMENT

It being 7.30 pm—The question was proposed—That the House do now adjourn.

Debate ensued.

The House continuing to sit until 8 pm—The Speaker adjourned the House until 12 noon tomorrow.

DOCUMENTS

The following documents were deemed to have been presented on 25 August 2025 (An explanatory statement has been presented with each instrument unless otherwise indicated by an asterisk):

A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999—

A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) (Choosing to Account on a Cash Basis—Representatives of Incapacitated Entities) Determination 2025 [F2025L00929].

A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) (Correcting Wine Equalisation Tax Errors) Determination 2025 [F2025L00928].

A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) (Waiver of Tax Invoice Requirement—Direct Entry Services) Determination 2025 [F2025L00930].

Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Act 1992— Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (MRL Standard for Residues of Chemical Products) Amendment Instrument (No. 3) 2025 [F2025L00897].

Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994— Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code (Chemical Products) Standard 2025 [F2025L00916].

Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005— Australian Communications and Media Authority (Charges) Amendment Determination 2025 (No. 1) [F2025L00911].

Australian Research Council Act 2001—

Approval of continuation of grants of financial assistance for research projects in relation to designated research programs—Determination No. 275.

Approval of funding for Australian Research Council (ARC) for continuation of financial assistance for research projects in relation to all non-designated research programs—Determination No. 276.

Approval of grants of financial assistance for research projects in relation to Australian Laureate Fellowships 2025—Determination No. 278.

Approval of grants of financial assistance for research projects in relation to Early Career Industry Fellowships 2025—Determination No. 280.

Approval of grants of financial assistance for research projects in relation to Future Fellowships 2025—Determination No. 279.

Approval of grants of financial assistance for research projects in relation to Industrial Transformation Research Program Research Hubs 2025—Determination No. 284.

Approval of grants of financial assistance for research projects in relation to Industrial Transformation Research Program Training Centres 2025—Determination No. 283.

Approval of grants of financial assistance for research projects in relation to Industry Laureate Fellowships 2025—Determination No. 282.

Approval of grants of financial assistance for research projects in relation to Linkage Projects 2024 Round 2—Determination No. 277.

Approval of grants of financial assistance for research projects in relation to Mid-Career Industry Fellowships 2025—Determination No. 281.

Discovery Program Grant Guidelines (2024 edition—Variation 1)—Discovery Indigenous [F2025L00953].

Discovery Program Grant Guidelines (2024 edition—Variation 1)—Discovery Projects [F2025L00951].

Discovery Program Grant Guidelines—Fellowships (2024 edition—Variation 1)—Australian Laureate Fellowships Future Fellowships Discovery Early Career Researcher Award [F2025L00952].

Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2024 edition—Variation 1)—Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP) Industrial Transformation Research Hubs Industrial Transformation Training Centres [F2025L00950].

Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2024 edition—Variation 1)—Linkage Projects [F2025L00948].

Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2024, second edition—Variation 1)—Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities [F2025L00949].

Broadcasting Services Act 1992—

Variation to Licence Area Plan—Deniliquin Radio—2025 (No. 1) [F2025L00892].

Variation to Licence Area Plan—Wangaratta Radio—2025 (No. 2) [F2025L00893].

Civil Aviation Act 1988— Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998—Multi-Engine Helicopters Exemption 2025—CASA EX70/25 [F2025L00888].

Corporations Act 2001—

ASIC Corporations (Amendment) Instrument 2025/456 [F2025L00891].

ASIC Market Integrity Rules (Futures Markets) 2017—ASIC Market Integrity Rules (Futures Markets) Class Waiver 2025/513 [F2025L00937].

ASIC Market Integrity Rules (Securities Markets) 2017—ASIC Market Integrity Rules (Securities Markets) Class Waiver 2025/512 [F2025L00936].

Currency Act 1965— Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2025 Perth Mint No. 4) Determination 2025 [F2025L00899].

Customs Act 1901— Customs (International Obligations) Amendment (Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Implementation) Regulations 2025 [F2025L00956].

Defence Act 1903—

Defence Determination, Conditions of service Amendment Determination (No. 13) 2025 [F2025L00920].

Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Individual benefits) Determination (No. 12) 2025 [F2025L00919].

Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal Determinations—

No. 6 of 2025, Naval Police Coxswain Officer amendment.

No. 7 of 2025, Salaries—Cyber warfare pay structure—amendment.

No. 8 of 2025, Aeronautical Life Support Technician amendment.

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999—

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation List of Threatened Species Amendment (429) Instrument 2025 [F2025L00945].

List of Exempt Native Specimens Amendment (South Australian Rock Lobster Fishery) Instrument, July 2025 [F2025L00846]—Replacement explanatory statement.

Export Control Act 2020— Export Control (Transition Assistance—Phase Out of Live Sheep Exports by Sea Programs) Instrument 2025 [F2025L00932].

Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021—

Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) (Bankruptcy) Amendment (2025 Measures No. 1) Rules 2025 [F2025L00915].

Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) (General Federal Law) Rules 2025 [F2025L00913].

Federal Court of Australia Act 1976— Federal Court Amendment (2025 Measures No. 1) Rules 2025 [F2025L00941].

Federal Financial Relations Act 2009—

Federal Financial Relations (General Purpose Financial Assistance—2025-26 Payment No. 2) Determination 2025 [F2025L00939].

Federal Financial Relations (National Partnership Payments—2025-26 Payment No. 2) Determination 2025 [F2025L00894].

Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Act 1997—

Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Measures No. 2) Regulations 2025 [F2025L00965].

Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Defence Measures No. 1) Regulations 2025 [F2025L00964].

Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Foreign Affairs and Trade Measures No. 2) Regulations 2025 [F2025L00959].

Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Health, Disability and Ageing Measures No. 2) Regulations 2025 [F2025L00963].

Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Home Affairs Measures No. 3) Regulations 2025 [F2025L00962].

Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Social Services Measures No. 1) Regulations 2025 [F2025L00960].

Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991—

Food Standards (Application A1314—Permitting small dogs and cats in aircraft cabins) Variation [F2025L00917].

Food Standards (Application A1323—Food derived from insect-protected soybean line COR23134) Variation [F2025L00938].

Food Standards (Proposal P1049—Carbohydrate and sugar claims on alcoholic beverages) Variation [F2025L00922].

Food Standards (Proposal P1059—Energy labelling on alcoholic beverages) Variation [F2025L00923].

Health Insurance Act 1973—

Health Insurance Legislation Amendments (Usual Medical Practitioner) Determination 2025 [F2025L00946].

Health Insurance (Quality Assurance Activity—Australasian Registry of Electrocardiograms in National Athletes (ARENA)) Declaration 2025 [F2025L00908].

Health Insurance (Quality Assurance Activity—CareFlight Clinical Review Meetings) Declaration 2025 [F2025L00918].

Health Insurance (Section 3C Diagnostic Imaging Services—Cardiac MRI for Myocarditis) Repeal Determination 2025 [F2025L00933].

Housing Australia Act 2018— Housing Australia Investment Mandate Amendment (Delivering on Our 2025 Election Commitment) Direction 2025 [F2025L00984].

Infrastructure Australia Act 2008—

Assessment of certain nationally significant infrastructure projects that were committed to without prior evaluation by Infrastructure Australia—Report for 2024-25.

Summary of proposals evaluated or endorsed by Infrastructure Australia—21 July 2025.

Lands Acquisition Act 1989— Statement under section 40—August 2025.

Marriage Act 1961— Marriage (Recognised Denominations) Amendment Proclamation 2024 [F2024L01003]—Replacement explanatory statement.

Migration Act 1958—

Migration Regulations 1994—

Migration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visas) Instrument 2025—LIN 25/089 [F2025L00907].

Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visas) Instrument 2025—LIN 25/090 [F2025L00906].

Migration (Evidence of Functional English Language Proficiency) Instrument 2025—LIN 25/014 [F2025L00904].

Migration (Specification of Language Tests, Test Scores and Passports) Instrument 2025—LIN 25/016 [F2025L00905].

Report on Unauthorised Maritime Arrivals in Nauru under section 198AJ—2024-2025.

National Health Act 1953—

National Health (Commonwealth Price and Conditions for Commonwealth Payments for Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment Determination 2025 (No. 7)—PB 86 of 2025 [F2025L00879].

National Health (Continued Dispensing) Amendment Determination 2025 (No. 3)—PB 87 of 2025 [F2025L00880].

National Health (Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy) Special Arrangement Amendment (August Update) Instrument 2025—PB 89 of 2025 [F2025L00882].

National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement Amendment (August Update) Instrument 2025—PB 88 of 2025 [F2025L00881].

National Health (Listed Drugs on F1 or F2) Amendment Determination (No. 7) 2025—PB 90 of 2025 [F2025L00876].

National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment (August Update) Instrument 2025 —PB 84 of 2025 [F2025L00877].

National Health (Pharmaceutical benefits—early supply) Amendment Instrument 2025 (No. 7)—PB 85 of 2025 [F2025L00878].

National Health (Pharmaceuticals and Vaccines—Cost Recovery) Amendment (Administrative Arrangements) Regulations 2025 [F2025L00195]—Replacement explanatory statement.

National Land Transport Act 2014— National Land Transport (Roads to Recovery List) Variation Instrument (No. 1) 2025 [F2025L00383]—Replacement explanatory statement.

Parliamentary Business Resources Act 2017— Remuneration Tribunal (Members of Parliament) Amendment Determination (No. 3) 2025 [F2025L00943].

Private Health Insurance Act 2007—

Private Health Insurance (Health Benefits Fund Policy) Rules 2025 [F2025L00896].

Private Health Insurance (Levy Administration) Rules 2025 [F2025L00898].

Private Health Insurance (Risk Equalisation Policy) Rules 2025 [F2025L00895].

Private Health Insurance (Medical Devices and Human Tissue Products Levy) Act 2007— Private Health Insurance (Medical Devices and Human Tissue Products Levy) Amendment (2025 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2025 [F2025L00931].

Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986— Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Amendment (2025 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2025 [F2025L00934].

Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013—

Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles 2024—

Reports under paragraph 4.11—1 January to 30 June 2025 [2].

Report under paragraph 4.12—1 January to 30 June 2025.

Notices under section 72—

Commonwealth acquired shares in Australian Rail Track Corporation Limited—24 June 2025.

Corporate Commonwealth entity acquired shares in MagnaTerra Technologies Limited—14 August 2025.

Corporate Commonwealth entity disposed of shares in—

Applied Molecular Therapies Pty Ltd—14 August 2025.

NextOre Limited—14 August 2025.

Corporate Commonwealth entity formed a wholly-owned subsidiary company—

Main Sequence GP Fund 4 Pty Ltd—11 August 2025.

Main Sequence Opportunity Fund 4 Pty Ltd—11 August 2025.

Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Section 75 Transfers) Amendment Determination 2023-2024 (No. 12) [F2025L00925].

Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Section 75 Transfers) Amendment Determination 2024-2025 (No. 6) [F2025L00924].

Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Section 75 Transfers) Amendment Determination 2025-2026 (No. 1) [F2025L00926].

Radiocommunications Act 1992—

Radiocommunications (Allocation of Transmitter Licences—Low Power Open Narrowcasting Licences) Determination 2025 [F2025L00935].

Radiocommunications (Digital Radio Multiplex Transmitter Licence—Application Fee) Amendment Determination 2025 (No. 1) [F2025L00912].

Radiocommunications (Trading Rules for Defence Spectrum Licences) Determination 2025 [F2025L00909].

Regional Investment Corporation Act 2018— Regional Investment Corporation Legislation Amendment (Interest Rates) Instrument 2025 [F2025L00890].

Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973—

Remuneration Tribunal Amendment Determination (No. 4) 2025 [F2025L00944].

Remuneration Tribunal (Official Travel) Determination 2025 [F2025L00942].

Sydney Airport Curfew Act 1995— Dispensation reports—02/25, 04/25.

Taxation Administration Act 1953— Commissioner of Taxation—

Class Rulings—

CR 2025/48 (Erratum).

CR 2025/50, CR 2025/51, CR 2025/52, CR 2025/53.

Goods and Services Tax Determinations—

GSTD 2007/3 (Addendum).

GSTD 2025/1 (Erratum).

Goods and Services Tax Ruling—GSTR 2002/2 (Addendum).

Product Rulings—PR 2025/10, PR 2025/11.

Telecommunications Act 1997—

Telecommunications (Consumer Complaints Handling) Industry Standard Amendment 2025 (No. 2) [F2025L00921].

Telecommunications (Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Consumer Protections) Industry Standard 2025 [F2025L00664]—Supplementary explanatory statement.

Telecommunications (Carrier Licence Charges) Act 1997— Telecommunications (Carrier Licence Charges) (Application) Amendment Determination 2025 (No. 1) [F2025L00910].

Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979— Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Legislation Amendment (Emergency Service Facilities) Instrument (No. 2) 2025 [F2025L00927].

Therapeutic Goods Act 1989—

Therapeutic Goods (Authorised Supply) Amendment Rules 2025 [F2025L00947].

Therapeutic Goods (Serious Scarcity and Substitutable Medicine) (Labetalol) Instrument 2025 [F2025L00958].

Therapeutic Goods (Standard for Disinfectants and Sanitary Products) (TGO 104) Amendment Order 2025 [F2025L00955].

Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986—

Statement of Principles concerning ascariasis (Balance of Probabilities)—No. 66 of 2025 [F2025L00967].

Statement of Principles concerning ascariasis (Reasonable Hypothesis)—No. 65 of 2025 [F2025L00966].

Statement of Principles concerning gallstone disease (cholelithiasis) (Balance of Probabilities)—No. 70 of 2025 [F2025L00972].

Statement of Principles concerning gallstone disease (cholelithiasis) (Reasonable Hypothesis)—No. 69 of 2025 [F2025L00970].

ATTENDANCE

All Members attended (at some time during the sitting) except *Ms Fernando, Dr Garland, Mr Katter, Mr Marles and Mr Ng.

* On leave

Claressa Surtees

Clerk of the House of Representatives

2025

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

SUPPLEMENT TO VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS

No. 8

FEDERATION CHAMBER

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Monday, 25 August 2025

The Federation Chamber met at 10.30 am.

MEMBERS’ CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Members’ constituency statements were made.

Environment protection

Ms Bell, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) notes that:

(a) the Government’s environment credentials are all washed‑up;

(b) after refusing to even meet with scientists regarding the spread of toxic algal bloom in South Australia for over 18 months, the Minister for the Environment and Water has made a last‑minute dash in a desperate attempt to avoid scrutiny over the Government’s lack of leadership on the matter; and

(c) from recycling to Indigenous cultural heritage and environment protection and biodiversity conservation, the Government has failed to deliver on any of its major promises; and

(2) calls on the Minister representing the Minister for the Environment and Water to attend the chamber to explain the Government’s failures on the environment.

Debate ensued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Economic equality

Ms Jarrett, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) acknowledges the Government’s commitment to driving economic equality for Australian women, from closing the gender pay gap and lifting wages for women, to investing in women’s health and expanding paid parental leave;

(2) notes that on 1 July 2025 women in Australia benefited from key changes delivered by the Government, including:

(a) expanding paid parental leave to 24 weeks and paying superannuation on it;

(b) lifting the minimum wage by 3.5 per cent; and

(c) commencing the Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme for teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work students; and

(3) welcomes the Government continuing to deliver a better future for Australian women.

Debate ensued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Woodside North West Shelf gas project

Ms Watson-Brown, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) notes that:

(a) during the 2025 federal election, the then Leader of the Opposition promised to approve Woodside’s North West Shelf gas project in Western Australia within 30 days, and the Government approved it within 15 days of being sworn in;

(b) the North West Shelf gas project is estimated to produce annual emissions totalling more than all of Australia’s existing coal-fired power plants combined; and

(c) the Government has accepted more than $1 million in donations from Woodside since 2014, making them the tenth largest donor over the last decade; and

(2) calls on the Government to:

(a) cancel the draft approval for Woodside’s North West Shelf gas project;

(b) implement a moratorium on new coal and gas projects; and

(c) commit to addressing corporate influence over our political system.

Debate ensued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Cost of living

Mrs Phillips, by leave, for Dr Garland, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) acknowledges the Government’s number one priority is helping Australians with the cost of living;

(2) notes that on 1 July 2025, the following measures started rolling out:

(a) more energy bill relief for every household with $150 off energy bills; and

(b) a 30 per cent discount to home batteries to permanently cut power bills; and

(3) welcomes the Government delivering the better future Australians voted for.

Debate ensued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

John Owen Stone AO

Mr Leeser, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) acknowledges the passing of John Owen Stone AO on 17 July 2025;

(2) notes his extensive contribution to public life, including his service as Secretary to the Treasury, and as a Senator for Queensland;

(3) recognises his role in shaping policy and contributing to the national debate on issues from national economic policy and industrial relations to federalism; and

(4) extends its sincere condolences to his family and pays tribute to his lifelong dedication to the Australian people.

Debate ensued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Small business

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the motion of Mr T Wilson—That this House:

(1) acknowledges 2.5 million small businesses have been abandoned by the Government;

(2) notes the Government has:

(a) achieved a record number of small business insolvencies this financial year;

(b) done nothing to create an environment for small businesses to thrive; and

(c) made it more difficult than ever to do business in Australia; and

(3) calls on the Government to prioritise the problems facing small businesses by:

(a) removing excessive regulation it insists on applying to small business;

(b) scrapping its plans to impose a family savings tax on unrealised capital gains; and

(c) backing small business to make it easier to employ Australians—

Debate resumed.

The time allotted for private Members’ business having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Suspension of meeting

At 1.34 pm, the Deputy Speaker left the Chair.

Resumption of meeting

At 4 pm, the Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair.

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

Members’ statements were made.

Paid parental leave

Ms Payne, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) acknowledges the Government’s commitment to strengthening the paid parental leave system;

(2) notes that on 1 July 2025:

(a) the Government’s paid parental leave increased by two weeks, from 22 weeks to 24 weeks; and

(b) superannuation was added to Government paid parental leave meaning taking paid parental leave will not mean missing out on superannuation; and

(3) welcomes the Government delivering the better future Australians voted for.

Debate ensued.

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Australian Space Agency

Ms Price, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) notes:

(a) that 1 July 2025 marks seven years since the official establishment of the Australian Space Agency;

(b) the former Government committed more than $2 billion towards the civil space sector after the Agency’s establishment, as part of our goal to triple the domestic sector to $12 billion and to create an extra 20,000 jobs by 2030; and

(c) the current Government’s significant cuts to Australia’s space sector, including:

(i) $1.2 billion from the National Space Mission for Earth Observation;

(ii) $59.7 million from the Technology into Orbit program and the space flight tickets subprograms;

(iii) $18 million from the Moon to Mars global supply chain facilitation; and

(iv) $32.3 million slated for co-investment in space ports and launch sites; and

(2) calls on the Government to reprioritise Australia’s space sector, including investing in our sovereign capability.

Ms Price addressing the Federation Chamber—

Suspension of meeting

At 5.10 pm, a division having been called in the House, the proceedings were suspended.

Resumption of meeting

At 5.24 pm, the proceedings were resumed.

Ms Price concluded.

Debate ensued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Mental health

Ms Coffey, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House notes that:

(1) to meet growing need, the Government is putting mental health at the heart of Medicare and services at the centre of communities;

(2) the Government is rolling out a national network of 91 Medicare Mental Health Centres, which offer free walk-in mental health support and care from clinical and non-clinical staff, without the need for an appointment, referral, or mental health treatment plan; and

(3) the Government is delivering services, closer to home, across the whole of the lifespan by opening new Perinatal Mental Health Centres, Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs, headspace centres, and Medicare Mental Health Centres.

Debate ensued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme

Mr Wood, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) acknowledges the establishment and ongoing implementation of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, a significant bipartisan initiative designed to address chronic workforce shortages in regional and rural Australia;

(2) recognises the role of the former Government in consolidating the Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme into the unified PALM scheme in 2021, streamlining Pacific labour mobility and enhancing regional cooperation;

(3) notes that the PALM scheme provides a vital workforce for Australian farmers, growers, food processors, and regional businesses, particularly in horticulture, meat processing and essential services, sectors that face ongoing labour constraints;

(4) further recognises the mutual benefits of the PALM scheme, delivering reliable employment and remittance opportunities to workers from nine Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste, while strengthening Australia’s diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties with our Pacific family; and

(5) affirms Australia’s responsibility as a regional partner, upholding its moral and regional leadership responsibility as a trusted partner in Pacific development.

Debate ensued.

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

ADJOURNMENT

On the motion of Mr Repacholi, the Federation Chamber adjourned at 7.16 pm, until 12.30 pm tomorrow.

Peter Banson

Clerk of the Federation Chamber